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Flying Higher While Going Lower

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Saint Augustine

At this approximate time of season over the past two years, I have put out posts that discuss how FedEx is progressing with respect to its aviation emission goal. So, I suppose the precedent is set for me to do it again. Before I get to that, let me give a brief refresher. In 2008 FedEx was the first U.S. based transportation company to set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its global aviation fleet. That goal was a 20% reduction in lbs/available-ton-mile (ATM) by 2020 from a 2005 baseline year.

So, how have we done? We’ve achieved a cumulative reduction of 13.5% (or 67% of the way towards our goal of 20%).

What makes this particularly satisfying to me is that we have improved our services and customer options while doing this. For instance, our emissions from the U.S. to Asia and back are being reduced while we give some Asian markets a two-hour later package drop-off or pick-up window. How? By eliminating the need to stop and refuel while flying back from Asia. The results are longer range, better efficiency and increased customer service.

I should also mention the absolute emissions for FedEx. You will see that all absolute emissions went down, as well. This includes the following:

Scope I (Direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by FedEx): Fiscal Year 2010: 13,152,895 metric tons (vs. 14,101,552 metric tons in Fiscal Year 2009).

As we continue to travel and work to connect the world responsibly and resourcefully, we envision the world as it can be, rather than the limited view and fear of how it might be. In essence, we hope for and seek a cleaner today, better tomorrow.